How do I challenge my Salem electricity disconnection before the state electricity regulatory commission?

Detailed Legal Analysis

You can challenge a disconnection of your Salem electricity supply by filing a complaint before the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum and thereafter the Ombudsman under Tamil Nadu Rent Control Act 1960, before approaching the Madras High Court. The licensee must give a notice of disconnection for non-payment and a reasonable opportunity to pay, and disconnection without notice or on a disputed bill is unlawful under the state electricity code.

The Madras High Court has held that the licensee cannot disconnect supply for the disputed portion of the bill and that the Consumer Forum must decide the complaint within the timeline prescribed by Tamil Nadu Rent Control Act 1960. If the Forum and the Ombudsman do not give relief, a writ in the Madras High Court is maintainable on grounds of violation of natural justice and the state code.

Keep the bills, the payment receipts, and the complaint correspondence, as the Forum requires proof of dispute and of non-receipt of notice to order reconnection and compensation.